Ferris State University and the Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center are again collaborating with fellow West Michigan colleges and universities, including Aquinas College, Calvin College, Davenport University and Grand Valley State University, to bring students to the fourth annual Grand Rapids Latin American Film Festival.
The event kicks off at Celebration! Cinema North (2121 Celebration Drive NE, Grand Rapids) at 7 p.m. with a screening of “Abel” on Thursday, April 4. Other screenings will take place at various times on Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 7 at the Wealthy Theatre (1130 Wealthy Street Southeast, Grand Rapids).
In 2012, more than 1,000 people participated in the four-day festival that provides West Michigan with an opportunity to see the latest and most acclaimed Latin American films. This year, 14 films originating from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela will come together for the event. Ferris’ continuous sponsorship in GRLAFF will give its current students an opportunity to learn more about Latin American culture and provide Latin American students an opportunity to recognize their heritage, said Eric Warner, visiting assistant professor of Spanish.
“Students will gain skills in intercultural competency, participate in a diversity activity and interact with people outside of Ferris,” Warner said. “Spanish students especially benefit as they gain language skills and learn more about the cultures they either study or will study in the future. It is also helpful for any academic major dealing with an international focus.”
The festival is free and open to the public, and Ferris will be providing transportation to and from the festival on a first come, first served basis. Sign-up for transportation is available in the Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center, in the Interdisciplinary Resource Center, Room 131.